Learning about Generation Z

Generation Z, also known as the Net Generation, is made up of people born in the early to mid-1990s, and this is the age bracket that will change the way you do business. Why? Because this generation is being raised on and by Internet. One bad visit to a business and a Generation Z-er will tweet about it, naming your business and location for all of his or her followers to see.

Kathy Savitt, founder and CEO of the social commerce site Lockerz, wrote in an April 2011 article for Mashable Business that if you please a Generation Z-er with your particular product or service, you'll also earn your biggest supporter. "As a result," she wrote, "marketers need to make it easy to share what their Gen Z customers love. From Facebook 'Likes' to branded tweets … it's never been easier to share your opinion online."

Savitt said that ready or not, Generation Z is here and "they are the future."

So, what does this mean for you? Well, you'll have to make sure you're monitoring the Internet to see if there are any posts about your business. If there is a customer complaint, do what you can to rectify the situation and make strides to improve your image and reputation. Or as Savitt stated in her article, "Don't stifle conversation, nor attempt to control conversation about your products — encourage it. There will be bad along with the good, but it will be authentic. This transparency will ultimately contribute to the long term success of your brand."